Nantucket has some of the most beautiful beaches in New England, but the best beach on Nantucket depends on what you're looking for. Families may prefer calm water and easy access, while surfers tend to head to the south shore. Others are looking for dramatic dunes, a great sunset, or a quieter stretch of sand.

At Westbrook Real Estate, we've spent decades connected to Nantucket, so we've put together this local guide to the 10 best beaches on Nantucket, including where they are, what they're best for, and which beaches we would choose for different types of beach days.

1. Cisco Beach — Best Overall Nantucket Beach

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Location: Cisco Road, Nantucket

If we had to pick one of the best beaches on Nantucket, Cisco Beach would be near the top of our list.

Located on Nantucket's south shore, Cisco is known for its wide sandy beach, rolling waves and laid-back atmosphere. It's also one of the island's most popular beaches for surfing.

The waves can be stronger here than on Nantucket's north shore, so families with young children should be aware of the conditions before swimming.

Westbrook Real Estate pick: Spend the afternoon at Cisco, then head to Cisco Brewers for a casual drink and food.

Best for: Surfing, young adults, beach days and sunset.

2. Jetties Beach — Best Beach for Families

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Location: Bathing Beach Road, Nantucket Town

For families staying near Nantucket Town, Jetties Beach is one of the easiest beaches to enjoy.

It's located close to downtown, has relatively calm water compared with the south-shore beaches and offers amenities that make spending the day easier.

There's also a restaurant right near the beach, making it convenient when everyone gets hungry.

Westbrook Real Estate pick: Walk or bike from town, spend the afternoon at the beach and grab lunch at the Jetties afterward.

Best for: Families, younger children and easy access.

3. Madaket Beach — Best Sunset Beach

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Location: Madaket, Nantucket

If you're looking for the best sunset beach on Nantucket, Madaket is hard to beat.

Located on the island's western end, Madaket is famous for spectacular sunsets over the water. The beach also has a more remote, open feeling than many beaches closer to town.

The surf can be strong, so swimming conditions should always be checked.

Westbrook Real Estate pick: Go late in the afternoon, bring a picnic and stay for sunset.

Best for: Sunsets, couples, photographers and romantic beach days.

4. Surfside Beach — Best for Big Waves

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Location: Surfside Road, Nantucket

Surfside is one of Nantucket's most popular south-shore beaches and is known for its powerful waves and expansive sand.

If you're looking for a beach that feels wild and open, Surfside is a great choice.

It's also popular with surfers and anyone who enjoys watching the waves.

Westbrook Real Estate pick: Pack a beach chair and settle in for the afternoon—but be cautious about swimming when surf conditions are rough.

Best for: Surf, waves, long beach walks and experienced swimmers.

5. Sconset Beach — Best for a Classic Nantucket Day

Location: Siasconset, Nantucket

There's something special about combining a beach day with a visit to Siasconset, or “Sconset,” one of Nantucket's most charming villages.

Sconset Beach gives you access to the Atlantic while putting you close to the village's famous rose-covered cottages, restaurants and narrow streets.

Westbrook Real Estate pick: Spend the morning exploring Sconset, have lunch in the village and finish the afternoon at the beach.

Best for: Couples, families, exploring and a quintessential Nantucket experience.

6. Children's Beach — Best for Young Kids

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Location: Harbor View Way, Nantucket Town

For families with little kids, Children's Beach is one of the most convenient choices on Nantucket.

Located right near town, the beach sits on the harbor side of the island, where the water is generally calmer than the south shore.

Its proximity to downtown makes it easy to combine a beach trip with shopping, ice cream or lunch.

Westbrook Real Estate pick: This is a great choice when you don't want to spend the entire day packing for the beach.

Best for: Toddlers, young children and families staying downtown.

7. Miacomet Beach — Best Quiet South Shore Beach

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Location: Miacomet Road, Nantucket

Miacomet Beach offers the expansive Atlantic Ocean setting people picture when they imagine a Nantucket beach.

It's less about amenities and more about sand, dunes, ocean and space.

Like other south-shore beaches, conditions can be rough, so always pay attention to surf and current conditions.

Westbrook Real Estate pick: Bring everything you need and make this an old-fashioned Nantucket beach day.

Best for: Long walks, quiet afternoons and ocean views.

8. Dionis Beach — Best Calm-Water Beach

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Location: Eel Point Road, Nantucket

Dionis Beach is located on Nantucket's north shore and tends to have calmer water than the island's south-shore beaches.

It's a particularly appealing choice for families and anyone looking for a more relaxed swimming experience.

The beach is surrounded by beautiful dunes and offers the classic Nantucket landscape without the intensity of the south-shore surf.

Westbrook Real Estate pick: If you're choosing between the north and south shore on a windy day, check the conditions at Dionis.

Best for: Families, swimming and relaxing.

9. Madaket Dunes / Eel Point — Best for Getting Away

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Location: Western Nantucket

For people who want to get away from the crowds, the beaches around Eel Point and western Nantucket offer some of the island's most beautiful natural scenery.

This is Nantucket at its wildest: dunes, beach grass, ocean and plenty of room to explore.

It's also a great area for beach walks and photography.

Westbrook Real Estate pick: Bring water, sunscreen and everything you'll need for the day. This is more about the landscape than the amenities.

Best for: Quiet beach days, nature and photography.

10. Coatue — Best Beach Adventure

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Location: Nantucket's northeast peninsula

Coatue is different from the easily accessible beaches around Nantucket Town.

This protected peninsula is known for its dunes, wildlife, beaches and undeveloped landscape. Getting there is part of the adventure, and visitors should plan ahead and understand access and conservation rules.

For those willing to make the effort, it can feel like you've found another Nantucket entirely.

Westbrook Real Estate pick: Make this a full-day adventure rather than a quick beach stop.

Best for: Boaters, nature lovers, photographers and adventurous visitors.

Westbrook Real Estate's Nantucket Beach Guide

What Is the Best Beach on Nantucket?

Cisco Beach is our pick for the best all-around Nantucket beach.

But there isn't really one “best” beach. Nantucket's beaches have very different personalities.

Want calm water? Head north to Dionis or Jetties.

Want waves? Try Cisco or Surfside.

Want the best sunset? Go west to Madaket.

Want a classic Nantucket village experience? Visit Sconset.

Want to escape the crowds? Explore the beaches around Eel Point and western Nantucket.

That's what makes Nantucket so special—you can have a completely different beach experience depending on which direction you drive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nantucket Beaches

What are the best beaches on Nantucket?

The best beaches on Nantucket include Cisco Beach, Jetties Beach, Madaket Beach, Surfside Beach, Sconset Beach, Children's Beach, Miacomet Beach and Dionis Beach.

Which Nantucket beach is best for families?

Jetties Beach and Children's Beach are two of the most convenient choices for families because of their proximity to Nantucket Town and generally calmer harbor-side waters.

What is the best beach for swimming on Nantucket?

It depends on the day's conditions. North-shore beaches such as Dionis generally offer calmer conditions, while south-shore beaches such as Cisco and Surfside can have significantly larger surf.

What is the best beach for surfing on Nantucket?

Cisco Beach and Surfside Beach are two of Nantucket's best-known surfing beaches.

Where is the best sunset on Nantucket?

Madaket Beach is one of the most famous places on Nantucket to watch the sunset because of its western location.

What is the nicest beach on Nantucket?

For an overall combination of scenery, atmosphere and the classic Nantucket experience, we'd put Cisco Beach near the top of the list. For a more romantic experience, Madaket at sunset is difficult to beat.

Are Nantucket beaches free?

Beach access and parking rules vary by location and can change seasonally. Visitors should check current Town of Nantucket information before heading out.

What should I bring to a Nantucket beach?

Bring sunscreen, water, a beach towel, chairs, sunglasses and plenty of water. At more remote beaches, bring everything you need because amenities can be limited.